House Primaries Held in Multiple States

Multiple states are scheduled to hold U.S. House primaries over the next five weeks, with some races poised to determine key general election contests that could affect control of the House in November. These primaries will also reveal dynamics within both parties, including electability factors and ideological visions.

President Donald Trump's political influence faces tests in Kentucky and Montana, while Democrats navigate crowded fields in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and California.

Ohio's 9th District Primary In Ohio's 9th District, a Republican primary on May 5 features former state Rep. Derek Merrin competing against four other candidates for a chance to challenge Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur. Merrin lost to Kaptur by under 2,400 votes in 2024 and highlights that close finish, while opponents advocate for a new candidate.

The contenders include Air Force veteran Alea Nadeem, healthcare executive Anthony Campbell, state Rep. Josh Williams, and former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. Republicans view this as a pickup opportunity, aided by a redrawn map favoring them after last year's Ohio redistricting, though a Libertarian candidate will also run in the general election.

In 2024, a Libertarian garnered over 15,000 votes, potentially aiding Kaptur, who won despite Trump carrying the district by nearly 7 points. Kaptur has represented the Toledo area since 1983.

2nd District primary on May 12 follows the retirement of five-term Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who won a district that supported former Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump in 2024. Omaha city councilman Brinker Harding, endorsed by Trump, has secured the Republican nomination.

Democrats face a crowded primary, with former corporate executive Denise Powell and state Sen. John Cavanaugh leading in fundraising and endorsements.

“These dark money super PACs are just spreading MAGA Republican talking points," state Sen. George Dungan said in a recent ad supporting Cavanaugh. Powell's supporters, including a group boosting Democratic women who support abortion rights, argue that Cavanaugh's election could allow the Republican governor to appoint a Senate replacement, potentially enabling changes to Nebraska's Electoral College vote allocation. Nebraska awards Electoral College votes by congressional district, and some Republicans seek a winner-take-all system. Cavanaugh's campaign addresses this issue, expressing optimism that Democrats will gain legislative seats in November to prevent such changes. A center-right think tank is running ads accusing Cavanaugh of aligning with Trump's policies.”

Kentucky's 4th District Contest Kentucky's 4th District primary on May 19 pits seven-term Republican Rep. Thomas Massie against former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who has Trump's endorsement. Massie has often opposed Trump and House Republican leadership, including votes against spending bills and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year.

These stances carry weight in the Republicans' slim House majority. Massie pushed for a vote on releasing Department of Justice records on Jeffrey Epstein. Trump has criticized Massie's wife, prompting Massie to respond on social media.

“So now he’s attacking my wife who voted for him three times," Massie wrote on X. Gallrein is described as a local Kentucky figure in one report. This race in a solidly Republican district tests Trump's party control rather than House majority implications.”

in Pennsylvania, Montana, and California Pennsylvania's

7th District Democratic primary on May 19 involves four candidates seeking to face Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in a toss-up seat. State firefighters' union president Bob Brooks has endorsements from Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Bernie Sanders, running on a populist platform citing personal financial hardships.

Opponents include former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell, former nonprofit executive Carol Obando-Derstine, and former Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. Criticism has arisen over Brooks' past social media posts, including one defending gun ownership after a 2019 shooting, leading to comparisons with Sen.

John Fetterman. Brooks apologized for some posts and emphasized his lifelong Democratic affiliation, contrasting with Crosswell's prior Republican registration. In Montana's 1st District, primaries on June 2 follow Rep. Ryan Zinke's decision not to seek reelection.

Democrats see potential to flip this Republican-leaning seat. Democratic candidates include former smokejumper and union leader Sam Forstag, endorsed by Sanders, former gun company executive Ryan Busse, Army veteran Matt Rains, and Navy veteran Russell Cleveland.

On the Republican side, Army National Guard veteran Aaron Flint has endorsements from Zinke, Sen. Tim Sheehy, and Trump. Rivals include doctor and former state senator Al Olszewski, who lost narrowly to Zinke in 2022. Zinke accused Olszewski of dishonesty and dividing conservatives in an opinion piece.

Olszewski responded by framing the race as Montana voters versus Washington influence. California's 22nd District Democratic primary on June 2 features state Assemblymember and physician Jasmeet Bains and school board trustee Randy Villegas, representing moderate and progressive wings respectively.

Villegas has criticized Bains for opposing a Democratic gerrymander bill and accepting corporate donations. The winner will face Republican Rep. David Valadao. Redistricting has affected other California districts, including incumbents Young Kim and Ken Calvert drawn into the same district, and a competitive Republican field against Democratic Rep.

Derek Tran.

Trump is pushing Republican challengers against those senators.